Same with me. Catching fish is fun, but even if I don't even get a bite it is a great day!

I grew up during the time when they tried to MAKE you right handed. When I got older I found myself shooting left handed, and probably would have been left handed all the way, but I must say, "I hate, hate mind you" (insert British accent there) reeling with my left hand. I switch all my spinning reels to right handed the minute I get them. Reeling with my left hand just does not feel right ( excuse the pun :-) ).

I will not buy Vanish line because it is wiry and a poor performer, or Nike because of the reasons stated above.

You are going to get snagged and you are going to lose lures. Don’t spend a lot of money on any single lure so you won’t want to cry when you eventually break off. 🙂

I don't now about the Ugly Stik combo and haven't even read any reviews on it. I put together my own combo when I got back into fishing (without really knowing what I was doing, but it turned out okay). I have read a number of reviews on entry level combos since, and maybe should have gone that route. Probably would have saved money. Anyway, I see a lot of people like the Black Max as a beginning combo, and some never feel the need to move up. That says something to me. Just a thought. Debos fishing on YouTube is using a Black Max combo now and should be doing a review soon. He is a straightforward, honest guy and I have learned a ton from him. He does reviews on gear from expensive stuff to budget stuff like the Max., makes some of his own lures (beautiful work too) and FISHES, which is the most important thing. He has a three part series on how to use a baitcaster, that I would recommend anyone watch who is not very experienced in using one. It helped me a lot.

I don't now about the Ugly Stik combo and haven't even read any reviews on it. I put together my own combo when I got back into fishing (without really knowing what I was doing, but it turned out okay). I have read a number of reviews on entry level combos since, and maybe should have gone that route. Probably would have saved money. Anyway, I see a lot of people like the Black Max as a beginning combo, and some never feel the need to move up. That says something to me. Just a thought. Debos fishing on YouTube is using a Black Max combo now and should be doing a review soon. He is a straightforward, honest guy and I have learned a ton from him. He does reviews on gear from expensive stuff to budget stuff like the Max., makes some of his own lures (beautiful work too) and FISHES, which is the most important thing. He has a three part series on how to use a baitcaster, that I would recommend anyone watch who is not very experienced in using one. It helped me a lot.

I agree with all these guys below. WORST line I ever had on my fishing reel. Go with some other braid!

Nice fish!

Whatever technique I use....you'd better use something else!! LOL
But anyway, my two favorites (confidence baits) are a spinner bait and a plastic worm.
Also, I have every color in the rainbow and like to try different colors just for fun, but in reality you only need a few: a dark color like black and blue, a white of some kind, Green pumpkin/watermelon, and something with chartreuse in it, like something with a chartreuse tail or a small chartreuse lure. Those are my "high percentage" colors.
I understand Grapevine has some small mouth bass in it. I have never fished those, but some have said they like bright colors. I need to fish there and experiment.

Sometimes it is hard to determine a fish from a stick, but remember a stick doesn't swim! LOL!
I don't know what rod you use, but you might consider up grading. If you are yanking the hook out of their mouth, although less sensitive, mono will stretch a little, and you would be less likely to snatch the hook out of the fish's mouth.
All that being said, experience is the best teacher.

Alberto Knot

My Fate Neon hasn't in several years of fishing it (maybe it's just mine). I like two piece, easy to transport and never really have had a problem with any of them (but only have a few of them, most models don't offer two piece or, if they do, not in the action I am looking for). I do pay attention to ensure they are properly aligned and connected prior to using them, and unless I am taking them on vacation or etc. I usually don't take them apart. That probably makes a difference.

I am interested in seeing the answer in that I have been considering kayak fishing myself, and am no longer a young guy....

When I first started back fishing after a 45 year hiatus, one of the first combos I purchased was a 13 Fishing Fate Neon combo from FishUSA for around $60. I now have a plethora of combos, most of which are much more expensive, but I find myself, more often than not, reaching for my original Fate Neon combo. It has always gotten the job done. I have it spooled with 8lb. mono. Be sure to set your drag correctly to give any bigger fish you may hook some play. You should be fine.

Hi Guys,
First, I like to experiment with new knots, always looking for the one I can tie the quickest and easiest. I thought I’d try the Aussie Quickie. I have used the double uni and Alberto knot. I thought I’d try the Aussie and then the fg.
The vids I’ve seen on the Aussie always have the leader wrapping the mainline. Shouldn’t it work as well or even better wrapping the braid over the leader? Seems like the braid should bite in better to the fluorocarbon.
Anyway, thought I’d give it a try.
Anyone have experience with this knot?